Vehicle Quality Analyzing System and Data Management Method

ABSTRACT

The file name ( 75 ) of a second data file is included in a first data file ( 32   a ). A position information data ( 76 ) is likewise included in the first data file ( 32   a ) for specifying the position of specific data in the second data file. A processing unit obtains the specific data from the second data file based on the description in the first data file. Specific instructions are supplied to a quality analyzing apparatus in a vehicle quality analyzing system based on the obtained data. The quality analyzing apparatus supplies electronic apparatuses or devices in a vehicle with predetermined signals in response to the specific instructions, so as to analyze the quality of the vehicle based on responses from the electronic apparatuses or devices. A set of independent files is utilized to establish the data structure. Data can be changed or modified in the individual file in a facilitated manner.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicle quality analyzing systemutilized to analyze the quality of the vehicle. In particular, theinvention relates to a data management method incorporated into thevehicle quality analyzing system.

BACKGROUND ARTS

A vehicle quality analyzing system is well known. The vehicle qualityanalyzing system is utilized to analyze the quality of vehicles shippedout of a factory, for example. The vehicle quality analyzing system isdesigned to realize the process of analysis in accordance with apredetermined software. The vehicle quality analyzing system receivesvarious data, required to realize the process of analysis, for theindividual vehicle.

[Related Art] JP Patent Publication No. 2844252 [Related Art] JP PatentApplication Publication No. 7-333110 [Related Art] JP Patent PublicationNo. 3345829 [Related Art] JP Patent Publication No. 3331112 [RelatedArt] JP Patent Publication No. 3360635

[Related Art] U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,560[Related Art] U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,408

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Data should be changed or modified in the aforementioned vehicle qualityanalyzing system depending on the type of vehicle, the specifications ofvehicle, seasonal elements, and the like, for example. The softwareshould be modified to update data. The software is modified too often.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide avehicle quality analyzing system capable of easily accepting the varietyof type, the variety of specifications, seasonal changes, and the like.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda vehicle quality analyzing system comprising: a first storage apparatusholding a first data file prepared based on a software; a second storageapparatus holding a second data file prepared based on a software, thesecond data file including a plurality of data; a processing unitgenerating specific instructions based on the first and second datafiles; and a quality analyzing apparatus supplying an electronicapparatus in a vehicle with a predetermined signal based on the specificinstructions of the processing unit, the quality analyzing apparatusanalyzing the quality of the vehicle based on a response from theelectronic apparatus, wherein the processing unit obtains from the firstdata file an identifier for the second data file and a positioninformation data specifying the position of a specific data in thesecond data file in accordance with a predetermined rule.

The vehicle quality analyzing system allows utilization of a set ofindependent files for establishment of the data structure. Only adescription in a single file is utilized to establish the relationshipof data between a plurality of files. A multilayered data structure canbe established in a relatively facilitated manner.

Moreover, the vehicle quality analyzing system allows separatemanagement of data in the individual file. Only the target file may beopened for change or modification of data. Since the individual file mayhave a data volume of a relatively small amount, the operator is allowedto enjoy a reduced working operation. On the other hand, if theindividual data is incorporated in a software program file in aconventional manner, it is troublesome for the operator to even find outa target data to be subjected to a change in the software program file.

In this case, the software utilized to prepare the first data file maybe identical to the software utilized to prepare the second data file.This utilization of the common software enables a further facilitationin the management of data. The vehicle quality analyzing system allowsmanagement of data based on a so-called spreadsheet in a file. Ageneral-purpose database or spreadsheet software may be employed tomanage the file, for example. Employment of a software of this typeprovides the operator with an accustomed user interface, so that thefirst and second data files can be prepared in a facilitated manner.

The processing unit may determine at least one program file based on anidentifier included in the first data file. In this case, when theprocessing unit processes the program file, the processing unit mayutilizes the specific data in the second data file. Data is in thismanner managed separately for the individual program file.

The first data file and/or the second data file are preferably formed ina manner overwritable based on the software in the vehicle qualityanalyzing system. A general-purpose database software may be employed asthe software in the aforementioned manner.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a datamanagement method comprising: opening a first data file prepared basedon a software; obtaining from the first data file an identifier for asecond data file prepared based on a software; obtaining from the firstdata file a position information data specifying the position of aspecific data in the second data file in accordance with a predeterminedrule; and obtaining the specific data from the second data file based onthe identifier and the position information data.

The data management method allows utilization of a set of independentfiles for establishment of the data structure in a manner describedabove. Only a description in a single file is utilized to establish therelationship of data between a plurality of files. A multilayered datastructure can be established in a relatively facilitated manner.Moreover, the vehicle quality analyzing system allows separatemanagement of data in the individual file. The operator is allowed toenjoy a reduced working operation in changing data. This data managementmethod greatly contributes to establishment of the aforementionedvehicle quality analyzing system.

In this case, the software utilized to prepare the first data file maybe identical to the software utilized to prepare the second data file.In addition, the data management method may further comprise: obtainingfrom the first data file an identifier for a program file; executing theprogram file based on the identifier; and utilizing the specific data inthe second data file in the execution of the program file. Theseadditional processes greatly contribute to establishment of theaforementioned vehicle quality analyzing system.

A specific data management program may be provided to realize theaforementioned data management method. The data management program maycomprise program instructions causing a processor to: open a first datafile prepared based on a software; obtain from the first data file anidentifier for a second data file prepared based on a software; obtainfrom the first data file a position information data specifying theposition of a specific data in the second data file in accordance with apredetermined rule; and obtain the specific data from the second datafile based on the identifier and the position information data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a handy terminalutilized in a vehicle quality analyzing system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the structure ofthe vehicle quality analyzing system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a manualstarting control file.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of an automaticstarting control file.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a main controlfile.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a root datafile.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a list fileincluding the list of “Model Type Option Code Number”.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a list fileincluding the list of “Vehicle Identification Number”.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a parameterfile.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a processsequence file.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of a controllingsoftware.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based onthe main control file.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based onthe manual starting control file.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based onthe manual starting control file.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based onthe manual starting control file.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based onthe main control file.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based onthe automatic starting control file.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based ona setup module.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating the root data file aftermodification.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based onthe manual starting control file when Japanese is selected as thelanguage.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an image based onthe manual starting control file when Japanese is selected as thelanguage.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a handy terminal utilized in a vehiclequality analyzing system according to the present invention. The handyterminal 11 includes an enclosure 12 enclosing a central processingunit, CPU, and other electronic devices. A window opening 13 is definedin the front surface of the enclosure 12. The window opening 13 isdesigned to expose the screen of a display apparatus 14. Various textsand graphics appear on the screen of the display apparatus 14 based onthe processing of the CPU.

An input device 15 is embedded in the front surface of the enclosure 12.The input device 15 includes a so-called cross-keypad 16 and aten-keypad 17, for example. The cross-keypad 16 includes an upwardkeypad 16 a and a downward keypad 16 b respectively corresponding to theupward direction and the downward direction on the screen of the displayapparatus 14 as well as a leftward keypad 16 c and a rightward keypad 16d respectively corresponding to the leftward direction and the rightwarddirection on the screen of the display apparatus 14, in a conventionalmanner. The operator of the handy terminal 11 manipulates the crosskeypad 16 to scroll images on the screen in the upward direction and thedownward direction and to move a cursor in the upward, downward,leftward and rightward directions on the screen.

The ten-keypad 17 includes ten digit keypads respectively correspondingto ten digits, 1-9 and 0. Some alphabetical characters are alsoallocated to the individual digit keypad. The operator of the handyterminal 11 manipulates the ten-keypad 17 to input numerical andalphabetical characters to the CPU.

As shown in FIG. 2, the handy terminal 11 includes the aforementionedCPU 21. A storage apparatus 22, such as a hard disk drive, HDD, a flashmemory of large capacity, or the like, is connected to the CPU 21. Anoperating system, OS, 23 is stored in the storage apparatus 22, forexample. When the handy terminal 11 is switched on, the CPU 21 executesthe operating system 23. The CPU 21 is designed to force a memory 24 totemporarily hold the operating system 23 when the CPU 21 executes theoperating system 23, for example.

A controlling software program 25 according to the present invention isstored in the storage apparatus 22. When the controlling softwareprogram 25 is executed at the CPU 21, a vehicle quality analyzing methodis carried out, as described later in detail. The CPU 21 utilizes in thevehicle quality analyzing method a root data file 26, a main controlfile 27, a manual starting control file 28, an automatic startingcontrol file 29, inspecting software program files 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31d, 31 e, . . . , process sequence files 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, 32 d, 32 e, .. . and parameter files 33 a, 33 b, 33 c, 33 d, 33 e, . . . all storedin the storage apparatus 22. Those files 26-29, 31 a-31 e . . . , 32a-32 e . . . , 33 a-33 e . . . will be described later in detail. Theboot-up of the operating system 23 is accompanied with the start-up ofthe controlling software program 25.

A communication interface 34 is connected to the CPU 21. Thecommunication interface 34 allows exchange of data between the CPU 21and a vehicle 35. The CPU 21 executes a communication software programfor the realization of the communication. The CPU 21 obtains thecommunication software program 36 from the storage apparatus 22 for therealization of the communication. The communication may be establishedthrough wire or cable, for example. Alternatively, the communication mayemploy a radio communication.

A local area network (LAN) interface 37 is likewise connected to the CPU21. The LAN interface 37 serves to establish connection between the CPU21 and a local area network, LAN, 38. A quality analyzing apparatus 39and a server 41 are connected to the LAN 38. The LAN 38 serves toestablish communication between the CPU 21 and the quality analyzingapparatus 39 as well as between the CPU 21 and the server 41. Thiscommunication allows exchange of data between the CPU 21 and the qualityanalyzing apparatus 39 as well as between the CPU 21 and the server 41.The CPU 21 executes a communication software program for the realizationof the communication. The CPU 21 obtains the communication softwareprogram 42 from the storage apparatus 22 for the realization of thecommunication. The communication may be established through wire orcable, for example. Alternatively, the communication may employ a radiocommunication.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the structure of the manual startingcontrol file 28. The manual starting control file 28 includes a databaseof so-called spreadsheet type. Specifically, the column number and therow number are utilized to specify the position of data in the database.The manual starting control file 28 may be prepared based on theexecution of a database software such as Excel® distributed fromMicrosoft corporation. The row number 42 is utilized to sort thelanguage in the manual starting control file 28. English is assigned tothe “Row No. 0”, for example. Japanese is likewise assigned to the “RowNo. 1. Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish are assigned to the “Row No. 2”,the “Row No. 3” and the “Row No. 4”, respectively. The assigned languageis used to describe data in the items of the identical row. The filename of the manual starting control file 28 includes an extension “.xxx”specific to the database of spreadsheet type. For example, when Excel®is employed as the database software, the file name should include theextension “.xls”.

The column is utilized to sort the items in the manual starting controlfile 28. Here, the file name 43 of a list file including a list of“Model Type Option Code Number (MTO)” is assigned to the first column,for example. The list file will be described later in detail. The listfile is prepared for the individual language in the aforementionedmanner. Material image data 44 is assigned to the columns after thesixth column. The language assigned to the row number 42 is used tospecify or establish the material image data 44 in the correspondingrow. An identical meaning or content is established for the materialimage data 44 in the identical column.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the structure of the automatic startingcontrol file 29. The automatic starting control file 29 similarlyincludes a database of so-called spreadsheet type. The automaticstarting control file 29 may be prepared based on the execution of adatabase software identical to that utilized to prepare the manualstarting control file 28. The row number 45 is utilized to sort thelanguage in the manual starting control file 28. English is assigned tothe “Row No. 0”, for example. Japanese is likewise assigned to the “RowNo. 1. Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish are assigned to the “Row No. 2”,the “Row No. 3” and the “Row No. 4”, respectively. The assigned languageis used to describe data in the items of the identical row. The filename of the automatic starting control file 29 includes an extension“.xxx” specific to the database of spreadsheet type.

The column is utilized to sort the items in the automatic startingcontrol file 29. Here, the file name 46 of the list file including thelist of “Model Type Option Code Number (MTO)” is assigned to the firstcolumn, for example. The file name 47 of a list file containing a listof “Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)” is assigned to the secondcolumn, for example. The list file will be described later in detail.The list file is prepared for the individual language in theaforementioned manner. Otherwise, material image data 48 is assigned tothe columns after the fourth column. The language assigned to the rownumber 45 is used to specify or establish the material image data 48 inthe corresponding row. An identical meaning or content is establishedfor the material image data 48 in the identical column.

FIG. 5 illustrates the structure of the main control file 27. The maincontrol file 27 similarly includes a database of so-called spreadsheettype. The main control file 27 may be prepared based on the execution ofa database software identical to that utilized to prepare the manualstarting control file 28 and the automatic starting control file 29. Therow number 49 is utilized to sort the language in the main control file27. English is assigned to the “Row No. 0”, for example. Japanese islikewise assigned to the “Row No. 1. Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish areassigned to the “Row No. 2”, the “Row No. 3” and the “Row No. 4”,respectively. The assigned language is used to describe data in theitems of the identical row. The file name of the main control file 27includes an extension “.xxx” specific to the database of spreadsheettype.

Four columns form a dataset in the main control file 27, for example.The first four columns include data in the individual language inconnection with the manual starting control file 28. Here, materialimage data 51, the file name 52 of the manual starting control file 28and the column number 53 are specified in the individual row. As isapparent from the aforementioned description, the row number 53 servesto determine the specific language in the manual starting control file28. The file name 52 is identical to all the language. The next fourcolumns include data in the individual language in connection with theautomatic starting control file 29. Here, material image data 54, thefile name 55 of the automatic starting control file 29 and the columnnumber 56 are specified in the individual row. As is apparent from theaforementioned description, the row number 56 serves to determine thespecific language in the automatic starting control file 29. The filename 55 is identical to all the language.

FIG. 6 illustrates the structure of the root data file 26. The root datafile 26 includes the file name 57 of the main control file 27 and theassociated row number 58. As is apparent from the aforementioneddescription, the row number 58 serves to determine the specific languagein the main control file 27. The root data file 26 is prepared based onthe execution of the controlling software program 25.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the structure of the aforementionedlist file 59 including the list of “Model Type Option Code Number” of avehicle or vehicles acceptable to the aforementioned quality analyzingapparatus 39. The Model Type Option Code Number is utilized to identifythe model of the vehicle, the type of the vehicle and the setting of theoption. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the structure of theaforementioned list file 61 including the list of “VehicleIdentification Number”. The list file 61 includes the list of theVehicle Identification Number assigned to the vehicles 35. The listfiles 59, 61 are stored in the storage apparatus 22.

FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of the parameter files 33 a-33 e. Theindividual parameter file 33 a-33 e includes a database of so-calledspreadsheet type. Specifically, the column number and the row number areutilized to specify the position of the data in the database. Theparameter files 33 a-33 e may be prepared based on the execution of adatabase software identical to that utilized to prepare the manualstarting control file 28, the automatic starting control file 29 and themain control file 27. The row number 62 serves to sort a set ofparameters in the parameter files 33 a-33 e. When the specificinspecting software program file 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d, 31 e isexecuted, one set of the parameters are used. Here, the parameters 63are specified in the “Row No. 1” for the “standard version”. Theparameters 64, 65, 66, 67 are specified in the “Row No. 2”, “Row No. 3”,“Row No. 4” and “Row No. 5” for different seasons, namely for the“spring version”, “summer version”, “autumn version” and “winterversion”, respectively. The parameter files 33 a-33 e reflect thevariation in the parameters resulting from the seasonal change. Thecolumn is utilized to sort the items in the parameter files 33 a-33 e.The file name of the parameter files 33 a-33 e includes an extension“.xxx” specific to the database of spreadsheet type.

FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of the process sequence files 32 a-32e. The individual process sequence file 32 a-32 e likewise includes adatabase of so-called spreadsheet type. The process sequence files 32a-32 e may be prepared based on the execution of a database softwareidentical to that utilized to prepare the manual starting control file28, the automatic starting control file 29, the main control file 27 andthe parameter files 33 a-33 e. The row is utilized to identify thesequence of processes in the process sequence files 32 a-32 e. Thesequence number 68 is assigned to the first column in the parameterfiles 33 a-33 e. The sequence number 68 may be assigned to a row or agroup of rows. Here, the sequence number “$1” is assigned to the secondand third rows. A set of data 69 is specified in the second and thirdrows in relation to the sequence number “$1”. Likewise, the sequencenumbers “$2”, “$3” and “$4” are assigned to the fourth and fifth rows,the sixth and seventh rows, and the ninth and tenth rows, respectively.Sets of data 71, 72, 73 are specified in the fourth and fifth rows, thesixth and seventh rows, and the ninth and tenth rows in connection withthe sequence numbers “$2”, “$3” and “$4”, respectively. The file name ofthe process sequence files 32 a-32 e includes an extension “.xxx”specific to the database of spreadsheet type.

The column is utilized to sort the items in the process sequence files32 a-32 e. Here, a file name 74 of a “program file” is specified in thethird column, for example. A file name 75 is specified in the fifthcolumn for identifying the specific parameter file 33 a, 33 b, 33 c, 33d or 33 e used in the “program file” specified in the identical row. Thecolumn number 76 is specified in the sixth column for identifying therow number in the parameter file 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, 32 d or 32 especified in the identical row. As is apparent from the aforementioneddescription, the row number 76 serves to determine a specific set of theparameters 63, 64, 65, 66 or 67 in the specific parameter file 33 a, 33b, 33 c, 33 d or 33 e. Here, the row of the process sequence file 32 a,32 b, 32 c, 32 d or 32 e serves to relate the “Row No. 0” of “QA1parameter” parameter file to “QA inspection1” program file. The “Row No.7” of “QA2 parameter” parameter file, the “Row No. 5” of “QA3 parameter”parameter file and the “Row No. 5” of “QA4 parameter” parameter file arerespectively related to “QA inspection2” program file, “QA inspection3”program file and “QA inspection4” program file.

Now, when the handy terminal 11 is switched on, the operating system 23is booted up in the handy terminal 11. The controlling software program25 is simultaneously booted up. The CPU 21 simultaneously executes thecommunication software programs 36, 42. The communication interface 34and the LAN interface 37 stand by in the handy terminal 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 21 acquires from the storage apparatus 22the root data file 26 at step S1. The CPU 21 reads out from the rootdata file 26 the file name 57 of the main control file 27 and theassociated row number 58. The CPU 21 then obtains the designated maincontrol file 27 from the storage apparatus 22 in response to thedetermination of the file name 57 at step S2. The CPU 21 boots thedesignated software module based on the extension “.xxx” of the maincontrol file 27. The CPU 21 opens the main control file 27 at step S3.The CPU 21 then selects the designated row number 49 in the main controlfile 27 based on the row number 58 in the root data file 26. The CPU 21reads out dataset from the row designated by the selected row number 49.

The CPU 21 generates images based on the material image data 51, 54. Asshown in FIG. 12, the generated images are displayed on the screen ofthe display apparatus 14, for example. Here, the “Row No. 0” is selectedin the main control file 27, so that all the description appears inEnglish within the screen. The operator is allowed to select an optionon the screen. The cross-keypad 16 may be used to select the option, forexample.

The CPU 21 obtains from the storage apparatus 22 the starting controlfile 28 or 29 in accordance with the selection made by the operator atstep S4. When “Manual Start” 81 is selected on the screen, for example,the CPU 21 reads out the file name 52 from the main control file 27. Themanual starting control file “manual start” 28 is read out based on thedetermination of the file name 52. In this case, the material data 51,the file name 52, the row number 53, and the like, in the main controlfile 27 are related to the manipulation of selection. On the other hand,when “Automatic Start” 82 is selected on the screen, the CPU 21 readsout the file name 55 from the main control file 27. The automaticstarting control file “auto start” 29 is read out based on thedetermined file name 55. In this case, the material data 54, the filename 55, the row number 56, and the like, in the main control file 27are related to the manipulation of selection.

Assume that “Manual Start” 81 is selected on the screen. The CPU 21obtains the manual starting control file “manual start” 28 from thestorage apparatus 22. The CPU 21 boots the designated software modulebased on the extension “.xxx” of the manual starting control file 28.The CPU 21 in this manner opens the manual starting control file “manualstart” 28. The CPU 21 then selects the designated row number 42 in themanual starting control file 28 based on the row number 53 in the maincontrol file 27. The CPU 21 reads out dataset from the row designated bythe selected row number 42.

The CPU 21 generates images based on the material image data 44. Asshown in FIG. 13, the generated images are displayed on the screen ofthe display apparatus 14, for example. Here, the file name 43 serves toidentify the list file 59 for generation of the images. A list 83 of“Model Type Option Code Number” is displayed based on the list file 59.The “Row No. 0” is designated in the manual starting control file 28, sothat all the description appears in English within the screen. Theoperator is allowed to select the specific “Model Type Option CodeNumber” 84 in the list 83. The upward keypad 16 a and the downwardkeypad 16 b may be manipulated to select the specific “Model Type OptionCode Number”.

The CPU 21 obtains the process sequence file 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, 32 d or32 e from the storage apparatus 22 in response to the selection of theoperator at step S6. If “ABC-001-C” is selected in the list 83, forexample, the CPU 21 obtains the process sequence file“ABC-001-C_step_file_SEQ” 32 c from the storage apparatus 22. Here,“ABC-001-C” included in the file name of the process sequence file 32 cserves to specify a relationship between the process sequence file“ABC-001-C_step_file_SEQ” 32 c and the code number “ABC-001-C”. The CPU21 boots the designated software module based on the extension “.xxx” ofthe process sequence file 32 a-32 e. The CPU 21 in this manner opens theprocess sequence file 32 c. The CPU 21 subsequently allows the qualityanalyzing apparatus 39 to operate based on the instructions from theprocess sequence file 32 c.

Here, when the operator has completed the selection, the operator thenconnects the handy terminal 11 to the vehicle 35. The CPU 21 obtains the“Vehicle Identification Number” through the communication interface 34.The “Vehicle Identification Number” may temporarily be stored in thememory 24, for example.

As shown in FIG. 14, the result 85 of the selection is displayed on thescreen of the display apparatus 14, for example. The operator is invitedto select the inspecting process. The operator may input the firstsequence number 86 and the last sequence number 87 for the inspectingprocess. The operator is in this manner allowed to select a part of theinspecting process. When the selection of the inspecting process hasbeen completed, the operator is notified of the expecting commencementof the inspecting process, as shown in FIG. 15. The selection of “StartInspection” dialog box 88 allows the commencement of the inspectingprocess.

The CPU 21 reads out the file names 74 in sequence for the sequencenumbers “$1”, “$2”, “$3” and “$4” from the process sequence file 32 c.The CPU 21 sequentially reads out the inspecting software program files31 a-31 d based on the file names 74. The CPU 21 executes the inspectingsoftware program files 31 a-31 d based on the extension “.zzz”. Forexample, the extension “.exe” is added to the file name of theinspecting software program files 31 a-31 d for Windows®, the operatingsystem 23 distributed from Microsoft Corporation. The CPU 21 generatescommand signals based on the inspecting software program files 31 a-31d.

The CPU 21 uses the parameter files 33 a-33 d related to the processsequence files 32 c for execution of the inspecting software programfiles 31 a-31 d. The CPU 21 boots the designated software module basedon the extension “.xxx” of the parameter files 33 a-33 d. The CPU 21 inthis manner opens the parameter files 33 a-33 d. The CPU 21 thendetermines the specific row number 62 in the parameter files 33 a-33 dbased on the row number 76 in the process sequence files 32 a-32 d. TheCPU 21 reads out a set of the parameters in accordance with thedesignated row number 62. For example, if the “Row No. 1” is designatedin the parameter file “QA1 parameter”, the CPU 21 reads out from “QA1parameter” 33 a parameters such as “1100”, “32”, “72”, “−310” and“−360”. The CPU 21 generates the aforementioned command signals based onthe obtained parameters. The command signals are transmitted to thequality analyzing apparatus 39. The quality analyzing apparatus 39carries out the analyzing process.

The quality analyzing apparatus 39 supplies inspection signals toelectronic apparatuses or devices in the vehicle 35 in response to thereception of the command signals from the CPU 21. The quality analyzingapparatus 39 analyzes the quality of the vehicle 35 based on responsesfrom the electronic apparatuses or devices. Here, the electronicapparatuses or devices include fuel injection systems, on-off switchesfor lights, open/close switches for door lock, and the like. When theanalyzing process has been completed, the quality analyzing apparatus 39notifies the CPU 21 of the result of the analyzing process. Theaforementioned “Vehicle Identification Number” is written intocommunication data for the notification. The CPU 21 receives thecommunication data at step S9. The server 41 may collect the results ofthe analyzing processes.

Now, assume that “Automatic Start” 82 is selected on the screen in placeof “Manual Start” 81, as shown in FIG. 16. The CPU 21 obtains theautomatic starting control file “auto start” 29 from the storageapparatus 22. The CPU 21 boots the designated software module based onthe extension “.xxx” of the automatic starting control file 29. The CPU21 in this manner opens the automatic starting control file “auto start”29. The CPU 21 then selects the designated row number 45 in theautomatic starting control file 29 based on the row number 56 in themain control file 27. The CPU 21 reads out dataset from the rowdesignated by the selected row number 45.

The CPU 21 generates images based on the material image data 48 in theaforementioned manner. As shown in FIG. 13, the list 83 of “Model TypeOption Code Number” is displayed based on the list file 59, for example.The “Row No. 0” is designated in the automatic starting control file 29,so that all the description appears in English within the screen. Theoperator is allowed to select the specific “Model Type Option CodeNumber” 84 in the list 83. The upward keypad 16 a and the downwardkeypad 16 b may be manipulated to select the specific “Model Type OptionCode Number”.

The CPU 21 subsequently generates images based on the material imagedata 48. As shown in FIG. 17, a list 89 of “Vehicle IdentificationNumber” is displayed based on the list file 61, for example. The “RowNo. 0” is designated in the automatic starting control file 29, so thatall the description appears in English within the screen. The operatoris allowed to select the specific “Vehicle Identification Number” 891 inthe list 89. The upward keypad 16 a and the downward keypad 16 b may bemanipulated to select the specific “Vehicle Identification Number”. Theprocess sequence files 32 a-32 e are subsequently read out of thestorage apparatus 22 based on the specific “Model Type Option CodeNumber” 84.

Now, assume that the images based on English language are changed toimages based on Japanese language on the screen of the display apparatus14. A predetermined setup module is assembled in the controllingsoftware program 25. When the setup module is booted, the operator ofthe handy terminal 11 is invited to designate the root data file 92 andthe row number 93, as shown in FIG. 18, for example. If the row number93 is changed to “1” on the screen, as shown in FIG. 19, the row number58 is changed in the root data file 26. When the controlling softwarefile 25 is executed in the aforementioned manner, the CPU 21 generatesimages based on the row number “1” in the main control file 27. As aresult, all the description appears in Japanese on the screen, as shownin FIG. 20. Moreover, the main control file 27 allows the designation of“1” in the row number 53, 56 of the manual starting control file 28 andthe automatic starting control file 29. Accordingly, when images aregenerated based on the manual starting control file 28 and the automaticstarting control file 29, all the description appears in Japanese, asshown in FIG. 21.

Next, assume that a new language is to be registered in the handyterminal 11. The manual starting control file 28 and the automaticstarting control file 29 are opened in the predetermined databasesoftware, for example. The manual starting control file 28 and theautomatic starting control file 29 may be opened on a personal computer,for example. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, data is displayed in thespreadsheet on the screen of the personal computer, for example. Theoperator may input data corresponding to a specific language into thematerial image data 44, 48 in a specific “row”. The main control file 27is then opened on the personal computer. The operator may input datacorresponding to the specific language into the material image data 51,54 in the specific “row”. The row numbers 42, 45 of the manual startingcontrol file 28 and the automatic starting control file 29 may be inputinto the row numbers 53, 56. The controlling software program 25 in thismanner allows application to any languages.

A predetermined database software may be used to open the processsequence files 32 a-32 e for change of the parameters. The row number 76may be changed in the process sequence files 32 a-32 e for theindividual parameter file 33 a-33 e. For example, if the row number 76for the parameter file “QA1 parameter” is changed to “2” in the processsequence, files 32 a-32 e, the CPU 21 reads out the parameters of“spring version” such as “1,080”, “28”, “70”, “−310” and “−340” from theparameter file “QA1 parameter” during the execution of the inspectingsoftware program file 31 a. In addition, the parameter files 33 a-33 eaccept change of values in the parameters. A predetermined databasesoftware may be used to open the parameter files 33 a-33 e for thechange of the parameters. The parameters useful to the execution of theinspecting software program files 31 a-31 e can in this manner bechanged in a relatively facilitated manner.

A predetermined database software may likewise be used to open theprocess sequence files 32 a-32 e for change of the sequence ofprocesses. The process sequence files 32 a-32 e may accept not onlychange of the “Sequence Number” 68 but also change of the file name 74of “program file”. The sequence of the execution of the inspectingsoftware program files 31 a-31 e can be changed based on the change of“Sequence Number” and/or the file name 74 in a relatively facilitatedmanner. For example, if a new program file having a new file name isregistered in the storage apparatus 22, a simple change of the file name74 in the process sequence files 32 a-32 e allows change in the sequenceof the inspecting software program files 31 a-31 e in an easier manner.

The vehicle quality analyzing system allows utilization of a set ofindependent files for establishment of the data structure. Only adescription in a single file is utilized to establish the relationshipof data between a plurality of files. A multilayered data structure canbe established in a relatively facilitated manner.

Moreover, the vehicle quality analyzing system allows separatemanagement of data in the individual file. Only the target file may beopened for change of data. Since the individual file may have a datavolume of a relatively small amount, the operator is allowed to enjoy areduced working operation. On the other hand, if the individual data isincorporated in a software program file in a conventional manner, it istroublesome for the operator to even find out a target data to besubjected to a change in the software program file. In addition, thevehicle quality analyzing system allows employment of a spreadsheet in afile for display of data. A general-purpose database software may beemployed to manage the file. The operator is allowed to work on the filewith an accustomed user interface.

It should be noted that the electronic apparatuses or devices mounted onthe aforementioned vehicle 35 may include any kind of hardware,instruments, circuit, and the like, operating based on supplied electricsignal and/or electric wave.

1. A vehicle quality analyzing system comprising: a first storageapparatus holding a first data file prepared based on a software; asecond storage apparatus holding a second data file prepared based on asoftware, the second data file including a plurality of data; aprocessing unit generating specific instructions based on the first andsecond data filed; and a quality analyzing apparatus supplying anelectronic apparatus in a vehicle with a predetermined signal based onthe specific instructions of the processing unit, the quality analyzingapparatus analyzing quality of the vehicle based on a response from theelectronic apparatus, wherein. the processing unit obtains from thefirst data file an identifier for the second data file and a positioninformation data specifying position of a specific data in the seconddata file in accordance with a predetermined rule.
 2. The vehiclequality analyzing system according to claim 1, wherein the processingunit determines at least one program file based on an identifierincluded in the first data file, the processing unit utilizing thespecific data when the processing unit processes the program file. 3.The vehicle quality analyzing system according to claim 1 or 2, whereinthe first data file is overwritable based on the software.
 4. Thevehicle quality analyzing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein thesecond data file is overwritable based on the software.
 5. A datamanagement method comprising: opening a first data file prepared basedon a software; obtaining from the first data file an identifier for asecond data file prepared based on a software; obtaining from the firstdata file a position information data specifying position of a specificdata in the second data file in accordance with a predetermined rule;and obtaining the specific data from the second data file based on theidentifier and the position information data.
 6. The data managementmethod according to claim 5, wherein the software utilized to preparethe first data file is identical to the software utilized to prepare thesecond data file.
 7. The data management method according to claim 5 or6, further comprising: obtaining from the first data file an identifierfor a program file; executing the program file based on the identifier;and utilizing the specific data in the second data file in the executionof the program file.